Pailin provincial governor Ban Sreymom (right) at an illegal border crossing used by migrant workers from Thailand. Photo supplied
Prime Minister Hun Sen confirmed late on December 31 that six more Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total to eight in just two days between December 30-31.
Hun Sen said that based on information he had received from the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC), the number of positive cases might increase in the coming days.
“In such a circumstance, we have to work with Thailand to manage the situation. Meanwhile, I instruct all border forces to exercise the strictest control over all international checkpoints and corridors to prevent people from entering the country without inspection, having their samples taken [for testing] and quarantine,” he said.
The prime minister also ordered all members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and all forces with transportation means to take workers home to stop doing so until further notice. Instead, he said returning migrant workers must be quarantined in provinces along the borders to prevent community transmission.
Pailin provincial deputy governor Thou Phea told The Post that a Cambodian worker infected with Covid-19 had been residing in the province after returning from Thailand via the Lem International Checkpoint in Battambang province
“From December 20 to 31, around 68 Cambodian workers crossed from Thailand into Pailin province [legally], but what we are more concerned about are the workers who [may have been] smuggled in illegally,” said Phea.
He added that during the dry season workers could cross the border through dry streambeds, but the authorities have deployed military and police forces and two deputy governors to the border region to resolve this issue.
Phea said the authorities continue to monitor Cambodian workers returning from Thailand to ensure they are quarantined and cared for properly and also given additional funds to help their families.
“Provincial governor Ban Sreymom has assigned a joint force, a patrol force and all relevant authorities to monitor and guard the illegal [border crossing points] 24 hours a day to prevent workers from entering our province without being quarantined,” he said.
Preah Vihear provincial health department director Kong Lo told The Post that from December 20 to 31, about 60 Cambodian workers had travelled from Thailand into the province and have been placed in quarantine centres in six districts and one town.
He said their test samples were analysed at the IPC and the National Institute of Public Health.
“The provincial governor has instructed all authorities in provincial town, districts, communes and villages to pay attention to workers who have returned to our province.
“He has also strengthened the [patrolling] of Cambodian-Lao border areas to monitor workers who can cross the Mekong River and Lapov River,” Lo said.
Health ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine said that observing public health measures are the most important thing anyone can do as an individual.
“It is necessary for us to follow the protective measures recommended by Prime Minister Hun Sen to prevent the transmission of Covid-19, which remain the same regardless of the virus mutating.
“[Follow] the health ministry’s ‘three do’s and three don’ts’ instructions, stay on your guard and [develop] healthy living habits,” she said.
Vandine said the authorities must continue to strictly monitor all international border crossings into Cambodia and require anyone entering the country to quarantine for 14 days without exceptions and monitoring by the authorities to ensure compliance.
As of December 31, Cambodia had recorded a total of 372 Covid-19 cases, with 361 recoveries.
At the same time, the government has allowed the reopening of businesses such as fitness clubs and exercise gyms and the resumption of football matches, and other sporting competitions including national team matches.
Officials say the purpose [in allowing these restrictions] to be eased is to improve the health and training of Cambodia’s athletes in preparation for events such as the 31st SEA Games to be held in Vietnam in 2021 and the 32nd SEA Game to be hosted by Cambodia in 2023.
Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron also requested that athletes continue to follow the health ministry’s instructions on Covid-19 safety measures, such as hand-washing with soap or alcohol, wearing masks, personal safety distances of 1.5m, exercising and regularly disinfecting and sanitising sports facilities to ensure they do not become places of Covid-19 transmission.
